LOS ANGELES – After spending almost a week and a half in California, Kyrie Irving was thrilled to see a four-game road trip end Monday night. The Celtics had just been picked apart by the Clippers, but while walking through the locker room afterward, Irving was focused more on the next step for his team.

“It’s about time we get the fuck out of here,” Irving called out, prompting laughter from teammate Marcus Smart.

Because they played consecutive games against both Los Angeles franchises, the Celtics stayed in the city for five straight nights – an eternity for an NBA road trip – before getting cracked by the Clippers. In the aftermath of the 140-119 debacle, players and coaches readily admitted their defense never really showed up. Brad Stevens said the defense “abandoned us.” Irving pointed to the shoddy pick-and-roll coverage, taking some of the blame for failing to provide weak side help like he should have. Smart stressed communicating better...